Old Windows versions require an installed application to read .zip files. Just search “zip” at www.download.com. With Windows XP, you don’t have to do that; the OS includes an integrated application that can open them for you quick and easy.

But things are different if you hageinstalled WinRar. You may have unintentionally set WinRar as the default app upon installation to open .zip files as well. Some of you downloaded WinRar to read .rar files and nothing else. I recommend that you stick with Windows XP’s quick and easy way. To reset the default program, follow these steps:

1. Open up any normal folder, My Documents will do
2. Tools >> Folder Options
3. Go to File Types tab
4. Scroll to the bottom of the box, and highlight ZIP
5. Look at Details for ZIP extension. Make sure it says “Opens with: Compressed (zipped) Folders”
6. If it does not, click the Change button
7. Select Compressed (zipped) Folders and click OK. Then click close

You’re done; you can now access your .zip files in a window like accessing normal folders. Note: copying and pasting with .zip files is slightly harder, so it is best to extract the desired files first.

Do you notice a button with a Windows logo on the bottom left of your keyboard? Unless you’re using a Mac or suffering from severe attention disorder, it should be there. If you didn’t know, it can do more than just opening up the Start Menu. For example, Windows Key + E will instantly open up My Computer and Windows Key + D will show you the desktop.

Here is the full list of Windows Key shortcuts
Here is the full list of keyboard shortcuts

Oops, I just made your life easier.